Ganged and switch combined systems for satellite-navigation-band filters

ABSTRACT

Architectures and techniques relate to ganged and switch combined systems for satellite-navigation-band filters. For example, a system can include a multiplexer configured to receive an input signal from an antenna and provide an output signal, and a combined-filter circuit coupled to the multiplexer and including a mid-range-band filter and a satellite-navigation-band filter. The combined-filter circuit can be configured to receive the output signal from the multiplexer and route the output signal to the mid-range-band filter and the satellite-navigation-band filter. The mid-range-band filter and the satellite-navigation-band filter can be implemented in at least one of a ganged configuration or a switch-combined configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/929,617, filed Nov. 1, 2019, and entitled “Ganged and Switch CombinedSystems for Satellite-Navigation-Band Filters,” the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to filter circuits.

Description of the Related Art

Wireless communication devices include many antennas, filters, switches,and amplifiers arranged in a variety of configurations to providesupport for different frequency bands. For example, a wirelesscommunication device can include a first antenna and circuitry tosupport a first frequency band or set of frequency bands, a secondantenna and circuitry to support a second frequency band or set offrequency bands, and so on. In many cases, wireless communicationdevices include separate antennas and/or circuitry to supportsatellite-navigation bands. Such configurations occupy substantial areaon wireless communication devices, such as on front-end modules or othercomponents of the devices.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a system comprising a multiplexer configured to receive an inputsignal from an antenna and provide an output signal, and acombined-filter circuit coupled to the multiplexer and including amid-range-band filter and a satellite-navigation-band filter. Thecombined-filter circuit is configured to receive the output signal fromthe multiplexer and route the output signal to the mid-range-band filterand the satellite-navigation-band filter. The mid-range-band filter andthe satellite-navigation-band filter are implemented in at least one ofa ganged configuration or a switch-combined configuration.

In some embodiments, the combined-filter circuit further includes aswitch coupled to the multiplexer, the mid-range-band filter, and thesatellite-navigation-band filter. The switch can include two or morearms that are configured to be controlled simultaneously to implementthe switch-combined configuration. The mid-range-band filter can be afirst mid-range-band filter and the combined-filter circuit furtherincludes a second mid-range-band filter, the switch being configured tosimultaneously route the output signal to the satellite-navigation-bandfilter and at least one of the first mid-range-band filter or the secondmid-range-band filter.

In some embodiments, the mid-range-band filter is configured to supportat least one of a cellular band B11, a cellular band B21, or a cellularband B32. Further, in some embodiments, the mid-range-band filter is afirst mid-range-band filter configured to support a cellular band B32for receive operations and the combined-filter circuit further includesa second mid-range-band filter configured to support at least one of acellular band B11 for receive operations or a cellular band B21 forreceive operations.

In some embodiments, the satellite-navigation-band filter is configuredto support a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cellular band.The GNSS cellular band can include at least one of a GPS-L1 cellularband, a GPS-L2 cellular band, or a GPS-L5 cellular band. Further, insome embodiments, the mid-range-band filter is a first mid-range-bandfilter and the combined-filter circuit further includes a secondmid-range-band filter. The first mid-range-band filter can beimplemented in a ganged configuration with the second mid-range-bandfilter.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a filter system comprising a first switch configured to receive asignal from a multiplexer, a first filter coupled to the first switchand associated with a satellite-navigation band within a frequencyrange, a second filter coupled to the first switch and associated with afirst band within the frequency range, and a third filter coupled to thefirst switch and associated with a second band within the frequencyrange.

In some embodiments, the first switch includes two or more arms that areconfigured to be controlled simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the first filter and the second filter are coupledto the first switch via a first common input node. Further, in someembodiments, the filter system can further comprise a fourth filtercoupled to the first switch and combined with the third filter. Thefourth filter can be associated with the satellite-navigation band. Thethird filter and the fourth filter can be coupled to the first switchvia a second common input node. Moreover, in some embodiments, the firstswitch can be configured to, in the first state, route the signal to thefirst filter and the second filter and configured to, in a second state,route the signal to the third filter and the fourth filter.

In some embodiments, the filter system can further comprise a secondswitch coupled to the second filter, the third filter, and a low noiseamplifier. The second switch can be configured to select a filteredsignal from the second filter or the third filter. Further, in someembodiments, the frequency range is about 960 MHz to 1710 MHz. Thesatellite-navigation band can be associated with a frequency range thatis outside a frequency range associated with the first band and outsidea frequency range associated with the second band.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a radio-frequency module comprising a packaging substrate, amultiplexer implemented on the packaging substrate and coupled to atleast one of a primary antenna or a diversity antenna, and a filtersystem implemented on the packaging substrate and coupled to themultiplexer. The filter system includes a mid-range-band filter and asatellite-navigation-band filter. The filter system is configured toreceive a signal from the multiplexer and route the signal to themid-range-band filter and the satellite-navigation-band filter. Themid-range-band filter and the satellite-navigation-band filter areimplemented in at least one of a ganged configuration or aswitch-combined configuration.

In some embodiments, the filter system includes a switch coupled to themultiplexer, the mid-range-band filter, and thesatellite-navigation-band filter. The switch can include two or morearms that are configured to be controlled simultaneously. Further, insome embodiments, the mid-range-band filter and thesatellite-navigation-band filter are combined in the gangedconfiguration. The mid-range-band filter and thesatellite-navigation-band filter can be coupled to the switch via acommon input node.

In some embodiments, the mid-range-band filter is configured to supporta band within a frequency range of 960 MHz to 1710 MHz. Further, in someembodiments, the radio-frequency module is implemented as adiversity-receive module.

In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relatesto a radio-frequency device comprising an antenna, a multiplexer coupledto the antenna and configured to receive a first signal from the antennaand sort the first signal, a filter system coupled to the multiplexer,and a controller coupled to the filter system and configured to providea control signal to control the one or more switches of the filtersystem. The filter system includes a mid-range-band filter, asatellite-navigation-band filter, and one or more switches. The filtersystem is configured to receive a second signal from the multiplexer androute, using the one or more switches, the second signal to themid-range-band filter and the satellite-navigation-band filter. Thefilter system implements the mid-range-band filter and thesatellite-navigation-band filter in at least one of a gangedconfiguration or a switch-combined configuration.

In some embodiments, the one or more switches are implemented as asingle switch. The switch includes two or more arms that are configuredto be controlled simultaneously to implement the switch-combinedconfiguration. Further, in some embodiments, the mid-range-band filteris combined with the satellite-navigation-band filter, and themid-range-band filter and the satellite-navigation-band filter arecoupled to the one or more switches via a common input node.

In some embodiments, the mid-range-band filter is configured to supporta band within a frequency range is about 960 MHz to 1710 MHz. Further,in some embodiments, the radio-frequency device further comprises a lownoise amplifier coupled to the filter system and configured to receive afilter signal from the filter system and to amplify the filtered signal.Moreover, in some embodiments, the antenna is implemented as a diversityantenna.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages,and/or features of the disclosure have been described. It is to beunderstood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved inaccordance with any particular embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, thedisclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves oroptimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein withoutnecessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggestedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings forillustrative purposes and should in no way be interpreted as limitingthe scope of the disclosure. In addition, various features of differentdisclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments,which are part of this disclosure. Throughout the drawings, referencenumbers may be reused to indicate correspondence between referenceelements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example radio-frequency device having variousfeatures relevant to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and one or more other band filtersimplemented in a switch-combined configuration in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and multiple mid-range filtersimplemented in a switch-combined configuration in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example multi-arm-controlled switch in accordancewith one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and one or more other band filtersimplemented in a ganged configuration in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example system that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and multiple mid-range band filtersimplemented in a ganged configuration in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates example ganged filters in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example system with multiple satellite-basednavigation bands in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process to filter asignal(s) with one or more satellite-navigation-band filters and/or oneor more other filters in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example radio-frequency module in accordance withone or more embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example radio-frequency device in accordance withone or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is directed to, in part, systems and techniques thatcombine filters in a ganged configuration and/or a switch-combinedconfiguration to implement one or more satellite-navigation-bandfilters. For example, a system can include a first filter that isconfigured to support a satellite-navigation-band for receive operationsand a second filter that is configured to support another band forreceive operations. The system can include a common antenna,multiplexer, or other components. The first filter and the second filtercan be combined in a ganged configuration and/or a switch-combinedconfiguration, so that a signal from the antenna or multiplexer can berouted to both the first filter and the second filter (e.g., in asimultaneous manner). By combining a filter associated with asatellite-navigation-band and a filter associated with another band, andimplementing such filters with a common antenna, multiplexer, and/orother components, the system can support a satellite-navigation-band inefficient manner. For example, the systems and techniques discussedherein can implement satellite-navigation-band filters on aradio-frequency module or another component that conserves area on theradio-frequency module or other component.

In some embodiments, systems and techniques are discussed herein in thecontext of satellite-navigation-bands and other bands that areassociated with mid-range or mid-to-low-range frequencies. However, itshould be understood that the systems and techniques can be applied to awide variety of frequencies and/or frequency ranges.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example radio-frequency device 100 having variousfeatures relevant to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Theradio-frequency device 100 includes an RF module 110, a transceiver(s)130, a controller(s) 120, a low noise amplifier(s) (LNA(s)) 140, and anantenna(s) 150. The transceiver 130 can be configured to convert betweenanalog signals and digital signals. The transceiver 130 can include adigital-to-analog converter, an analog-to-digital converter, a localoscillator for modulating or demodulating a baseband signal to or from acarrier frequency, a baseband processor that converts between digitalsamples and data bits (e.g., voice or other types of data), and/or othercomponents. The RF module 110 can perform processing on a signalreceived from the antenna(s) 150 or received from the transceiver 134.In some embodiments, the RF module 110 can be referred to as a front-endmodule (FEM), which can be physically close to the antenna 150 (e.g., toreduce attenuation to cable loss). The controller 120 can communicatewith the transceiver 130 and/or the RF module 110 to facilitate variousfunctionality discussed herein. Although the controller 120 isillustrated as a separate component, in some embodiments the controller120 is part of the RF module 110.

The RF module 110 can include a multiplexer(s) 112, switching circuitry114, and/or a transmit/receive filter(s) 116 (Tx/Rx filter 116). In someembodiments, the RF module 110 includes the LNA(s) 140, while in otherembodiments the LNA(s) 140 are implemented as a separate componentoutside the RF module 110, such as within another RF module or withinanother component. The multiplexer 112, the switching circuitry 114, thefilter(s) 116, the LNA(s) 140, and/or other components discussed hereincan be coupled to each other in a variety of manners, such as through aconductive path(s) that can include a cable, a trace, a wire, or anyother conductive path/material. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, theRF module 110 can also include other components, such as attenuators,matching circuits, duplexers, and so on.

The multiplexer 112 (also referred to as “the N-plexer 112”) can beconfigured to implement multiplexing. The multiplexer 112 can include adiplexer, triplexer, quadplexer, or any N-plexer. In some examples ofperforming transmit operations, the multiplexer 112 can be configured tocombine/merge a plurality of signals onto a common path or port (whichcan be connected to the antenna 150). Further, in some examples ofperforming receive operations, the multiplexer 112 can be configured tosplit/sort a signal from a common path or port (which can be connectedto the antenna 150) into a plurality of signals. In some embodiments,each path or channel can be associated with a frequency band. Themultiplexer 112 can include one or more filters, one or more switches,and/or other components. In one example implementation, the multiplexer112 can include a low pass filter that passes frequencies associatedwith low-range frequency bands, a bandpass filter that passesfrequencies associated with mid-range frequency bands, and a high passfilter that passes frequencies associated with high-range frequencybands. In another example implementation, the multiplexer 112 can beimplemented as a diplexer that provides the functionality of a high passfilter and a low pass filter.

The filter(s) 116 can be configured to filter one or more signals. Thefilter(s) 116 can include multiple filters that are configured tosupport different frequency ranges (e.g., filter signals associated withdifferent frequency bands). For example, the filter 116 can include oneor more Tx filters that are configured to support one or more transmitfrequency bands and/or one or more Rx filters that are configured tosupport one or more receive frequency bands. In some examples ofperforming transmit operations, the filter(s) 116 can receive a signalfrom a power amplifier (PA) or other component, filter the signal, andoutput the filtered signal to the multiplexer 112. Further, in someexamples of performing receive operations, the filter(s) 116 can receivea signal from the multiplexer 112, filter the signal, and output thefiltered signal to the LNA(s) 140. In some embodiments, the filter(s)116 includes one or more filters configured to support one morelow-range bands (LB), one or more mid-to-low-range bands (MLB), one ormore mid-to-high-range bands (MHB), one or more high-range bands (HB),one or ultra-high-range bands (UHB), and so on. Further, in someembodiments, the filter(s) 116 includes one or more filters configuredto support one or more satellite-navigation bands, such as one or moreGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cellular bands. In someembodiments, multiple filters 116 can be implemented in a gangedconfiguration and/or a switch combined configuration, as discussed infurther detail below.

The switching circuitry 114 can include one or more switches or othercircuitry configured to selectively route one or more signals betweencomponents of the RF module 110. A switch can include a transistor(s), amechanical switch(s), or any other switch, and/or can include any numberof throws/poles. In some embodiments, the switching circuitry 114 caninclude a switch (e.g., a band select switch) that is configured toreceive a signal from the multiplexer 112 and selectively route thesignal to a particular one of filters 116 that is associated with aparticular frequency band. In some embodiments, the switching circuitry114 includes a multi-arm-controlled switch that is configured toenable/disable multiple paths simultaneously, as discussed in furtherdetail below. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, theswitching circuitry 114 can include one or more switches that areconfigured to receive one or more signals from the filters 116 andselectively route a signal to one or more of LNAs 140.

The controller 120 can be configured to generate and/or send controlsignals to components of the radio-frequency device 100. For example,the controller 120 can send a control signal to the multiplexer 112 tocontrol sorting or combining of signals, send a control signal to theswitching circuitry 114 to route a signal (e.g., turn on or off aswitch), send a control signal to the filter(s) 116 to enable/disable afilter, and so on. In some embodiments, the radio-frequency device 100is configured to implement a plurality of gain modes for differentamounts of amplification, and the controller 120 is configured to send acontrol signal to the RF module 110, the LNA(s) 140, and/or a PA tocontrol a gain mode. Each gain mode can be associated with a differentamount of amplification. For example, the controller 120 can provide acontrol signal indicative of a desired or targeted gain. In someembodiments, the controller 120 can include control circuitry configuredto implement one or more of the operations discussed herein.

The antenna 150 can include one or more primary antennas and/or one ormore diversity antennas. A primary antenna and a diversity antenna canbe physically spaced apart such that a signal at the primary antenna andthe diversity antenna are received with different characteristics. Forexample, a primary antenna and a diversity antenna can receive thesignal with different attenuation, noise, frequency response, and/orphase shift. The transceiver 130 can use both of the signals withdifferent characteristics to determine data bits corresponding to thesignal. In some implementations, the transceiver 130 selects between aprimary antenna and a diversity antenna based on the characteristics,such as selecting the antenna with the highest signal-to-noise ratio. Insome embodiments, the transceiver 130 combines signals from a primaryantenna and a diversity antenna to increase the signal-to-noise ratio ofthe combined signal. In some embodiments, the transceiver 130 processessignals to perform multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) communication.As noted above, in some embodiments, the diversity antenna can bephysically spaced apart from the primary antenna. Here, the diversityantenna can be coupled to the transceiver 130 by a transmission line,such as a cable, a printed circuit board (PCB) trace, or anothercomponent. In examples, the transmission line is lossy and/or attenuatesthe signal received at the diversity antenna before it reaches thetransceiver 130.

In some embodiments, the radio-frequency device 100 can implement asingle antenna and/or a single antenna for each RF module. For example,the RF module 110 can be coupled to a single antenna and be configuredto support one or more satellite-navigation bands as well as one or moreother bands in a combined manner. Here, the radio-frequency device 100can implement a common antenna to support the one or moresatellite-navigation bands and the one or more other bands. Byimplementing a common antenna with a RF module that is configured toimplement many frequency bands, including one or moresatellite-navigation bands, the radio-frequency device 100 can utilizeresources in an efficient manner, in comparison to other solutions thatimplement a separate antenna and/or RF module for satellite-navigationbands.

Further, in some embodiments, the radio-frequency device 100 canimplement multiple RF modules and/or multiple antennas. In one example,the radio-frequency device 100 can include a first RF module that iscoupled to a first antenna and that is configured to support one or morefirst satellite-navigation bands (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)band L1) and one or more first other bands (e.g., a first set ofmid-range frequency bands). Here, the radio-frequency device 100 canalso include a second RF module that is coupled to a second antenna andthat is configured to support one or more second satellite-navigationbands (e.g., GPS-L5) and one or more second other bands (e.g., the firstset of mid-range frequency bands or a second set of mid-range frequencybands). In another example, the radio-frequency device 100 implementsmultiple RF modules that are the same. For example, the radio-frequencydevice 100 can include a first RF module that supports one or morefrequency bands and a second RF module that supports the same one ormore frequency bands. In some cases, the first RF module can be locatedat a different location on the radio-frequency device 100 than thesecond RF module. Such diversity in location can allow theradio-frequency device 100 to switch between modules and/or antennas toachieve a desired performance characteristic (sometimes referred to as“antenna swapping”).

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system 200 that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and one or more other band filtersimplemented in a switch-combined configuration in accordance with one ormore embodiments. The example system 200 is discussed in the context ofreceiving one or more signals (e.g., the system 200 is implemented toperform one or more receive operations). However, the system 200 can beimplemented in the context of transmitting one or more signals (e.g.,the system 200 can be implemented to perform one or more transmitoperations). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the system 200is implemented within a radio-frequency module. Although the system 200can be implemented within a variety of components and/or devices.

The system 200 includes an antenna 210 coupled to a multiplexer 220. Theantenna 210 can include a primary antenna, a diversity antenna, or anyother antenna. The antenna 210 can be configured to receive a signaland/or provide the signal to the multiplexer 220. The multiplexer 220can be configured to receive the signal from the antenna 210 and sortthe signal into a plurality of signals that are associated with aplurality of frequency ranges, respectively. For example, themultiplexer 220 can include: (i) a first filter (e.g., a band-pass orhigh-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signalassociated with one or more first frequency bands 222 that are within afirst frequency range or above a threshold frequency (e.g., a relativelyhigh frequency range or above a threshold); (ii) a second filter (e.g.,a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signalassociated with one or more second frequency bands 224 that are within asecond frequency range (e.g., a mid-to-high frequency range); (iii) athird filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to provide anoutput signal associated with one or more third frequency bands 226 thatare within a third frequency range (e.g., a mid-to-low frequency range);and/or (iv) a fourth filter (e.g., a low-pass filter or band-passfilter) that is configured to provide an output signal associated withone or more fourth frequency bands 228 that are within a fourthfrequency range (e.g., a low frequency range). Although four filters areillustrated in FIG. 2, the multiplexer 220 can include any number offilters. In some embodiments, the signal paths for the one or more firstfrequency bands 222, the one or more second frequency bands 224, and/orthe one or more fourth frequency bands 228 are coupled to othercircuitry/systems so that the associated signals can be filtered and/orprocessed.

The system 200 also includes a combined-filter circuit 230 coupled tothe multiplexer 220. In this example, the combined-filter circuit 230includes a switch 238 coupled to the multiplexer 220, one or more GlobalNavigation Satellite System (GNSS) filters 232 coupled to the switch 238and a low noise amplifier (LNA) 250, one or more third band filters 234coupled to the switch 238 and a switch 240, one or more third bandfilters 236 coupled to the switch 238 and the switch 240, and the switch240 coupled to the one or more third band filters 234, the one or morethird band filters 236, and an LNA 252. The combined-filter circuit 232can be configured to receive a signal associated with the one or morethird bands 226 from the multiplexer 220, such as a mid-range signal ofaround 1.5 GHz or another signal. The switch 238 can be controlled toroute the signal to the one or more GNSS filters 232, the one or morethird band filters 234, and/or the one or more third band filters 236.The switch 240 can be controlled to route a signal from the one or morethird band filters 234 to the LNA 252 or to route a signal from the oneor more third band filters 236 to the LNA 252. For example, if theswitch 238 routes a signal to the one or more third band filters 234,the switch 240 can select the one or more third band filters 234. Incontrast, if the switch 238 routes a signal to the one or more thirdband filters 236, the switch 240 can select the one or more third bandfilters 236. In some embodiments, the switch 238 and/or the switch 240are configured to be controlled based on a control signal, such as asignal that is sent by a controller.

In the example of FIG. 2, the switch 238 is implemented as amulti-arm-controlled switch that includes two or more arms that areconfigured to be simultaneously controlled, such as with the samecontrol signal. In some embodiments, the multi-arm-controlled switch 238is configured to route a signal to (i) the one or more GNSS filters 232and (ii) one of the one or more third band filters 234 or the one ormore third band filters 236. However, the multi-arm-controlled switch238 can be configured to route a signal to any combination of the one ormore GNSS filters 232, the one or more third band filters 234, and theone or more third band filters 236. Further, although the switch 240 isdiscussed in the context of selecting either the one or more third bandfilters 234 or the one or more third band filters 236, in someembodiments the switch 240 can select both of the one or more third bandfilters 234 and the one or more third band filters 236. Further, theswitch 240 can be eliminated in some embodiments. Although the switches238 and 240 are illustrated as part of the combined-filter circuit 230,in some embodiments the switches 238 and/or 240 are part of a differentcircuit.

The one or more GNSS filters 232 can each be configured to support asatellite-navigation band. A satellite-navigation band can be associatedwith a wide variety of satellite-based positioning systems, such as theglobal positioning system (GPS), the Globalnaya NavigazionnayaSputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS) system, the Galileo system, the BeiDousystem (also known as the COMPASS system), or any other satellite-basedpositioning system. A satellite-based positioning system can provideand/or be used to determine a geographic location of a device. In someembodiments, the one or more GNSS filters 232 are implemented as asingle GNSS filter, while in other embodiments the one or more GNSSfilters 232 are implemented as multiple GNSS filters (which can becombined/ganged together). As one example implementation, the one ormore GNSS filters 232 can be configured to filter a GNSS signal ofaround 1,575 MHz. Non-limiting example satellite-navigation bands andapproximate frequency ranges for such bands are shown below in Table 1.Although various satellite-navigation bands are shown, asatellite-navigation band can include other bands not illustrated.Further, other frequency ranges than those shown below can be used forthe satellite-navigation bands.

TABLE 1 Band Frequency Range (MHz) GPS-L1 1,559-1,607 GPS-L2 1,215-1,239GPS-L5 1,164-1,189 Galileo E1 1,559-1,591 Galileo E5 1,164-1,214 GalileoE6 1,260-1,300 GLONASS G1 1,593-1,610 GLONASS G2 1,237-1,254 GLONASS G31,189-1,214 BeiDou B1 1,559-1,591 BeiDou B2 1,164-1,214 BeiDou B31,260-1,279

The one or more third band filters 234 and/or the one or more third bandfilters 236 can be configured to support a variety of frequency bands.The one or more third band filters 234 and the one or more third bandfilters 236 can generally support different frequency bands. Forexample, the one or more third band filters 234 can support a firstfrequency band, while the one or more third band filters 236 can supporta second frequency band. However, in some embodiments, the one or morethird band filters 234 and the one or more third band filters 236 cansupport at least some of the same frequency bands. For example, the oneor more third band filters 234 can support a first frequency band and asecond frequency band (which can be implemented in a combined/gangedconfiguration), while the one or more third band filters 236 can supportthe second frequency band and a third frequency band (which can beimplemented in a combined/ganged configuration). In some embodiments,the one or more third band filters 234 and the one or more third bandfilters 236 are implemented along separate paths (as illustrated in FIG.2) to support overlapping frequency bands. For example, the one or morethird band filters 234 can support a first set of one or more frequencybands, while the one or more third band filters 236 can support a secondset of one or more frequency bands that at least partly overlap with thefirst set of one or more frequency bands. Non-limiting example bands andapproximate frequency ranges that can be implemented for the one or morethird band filters 234 and/or the one or more third band filters 236bands are shown below in Table 2. Although various bands are shown, theone or more third band filters 234 and/or the one or more third bandfilters 236 can include other bands not illustrated. Further, otherfrequency ranges than those shown below can be used for the one or morethird band filters 234 and/or the one or more third band filters 236.

TABLE 2 Tx Frequency Rx Frequency Band Mode Range (MHz) Range (MHz) B1FDD 1,920-1,980 2,110-2,170 B2 FDD 1,850-1,910 1,930-1,990 B3 FDD1,710-1,785 1,805-1,880 B4 FDD 1,710-1,755 2,110-2,155 B5 FDD 824-849869-894 B6 FDD 830-840 875-885 B7 FDD 2,500-2,570 2,620-2,690 B8 FDD880-915 925-960 B9 FDD 1,749.9-1,784.9 1,844.9-1,879.9 B10 FDD1,710-1,770 2,110-2,170 B11 FDD 1,427.9-1,447.9 1,475.9-1,495.9 B12 FDD699-716 729-746 B13 FDD 777-787 746-756 B14 FDD 788-798 758-768 B15 FDD1,900-1,920 2,600-2,620 B16 FDD 2,010-2,025 2,585-2,600 B17 FDD 704-716734-746 B18 FDD 815-830 860-875 B19 FDD 830-845 875-890 B20 FDD 832-862791-821 B21 FDD 1,447.9-1,462.9 1,495.9-1,510.9 B22 FDD 3,410-3,4903,510-3,590 B23 FDD 2,000-2,020 2,180-2,200 B24 FDD 1,626.5-1,660.51,525-1,559 B25 FDD 1,850-1,915 1,930-1,995 B26 FDD 814-849 859-894 B27FDD 807-824 852-869 B28 FDD 703-748 758-803 B29 FDD N/A 716-728 B30 FDD2,305-2,315 2,350-2,360 B31 FDD 452.5-457.5 462.5-467.5 B32 SDL1,452-1,496 B33 TDD 1,900-1,920 1,900-1,920 B34 TDD 2,010-2,0252,010-2,025 B35 TDD 1,850-1,910 1,850-1,910 B36 TDD 1,930-1,9901,930-1,990 B37 TDD 1,910-1,930 1,910-1,930 B38 TDD 2,570-2,6202,570-2,620 B39 TDD 1,880-1,920 1,880-1,920 B40 TDD 2,300-2,4002,300-2,400 B41 TDD 2,496-2,690 2,496-2,690 B42 TDD 3,400-3,6003,400-3,600 B43 TDD 3,600-3,800 3,600-3,800 B44 TDD 703-803 703-803

In some embodiments, the one or more GNSS filters 232, the one or morethird band filters 234, and/or the one or more third band filters 236are associated with a specific frequency range. For example, the one ormore GNSS filters 232, the one or more third band filters 234, and theone or more third band filters 236 can include band filters that areconfigured to support mid-to-low-range frequency bands (MLB) (e.g., afrequency range of about 960 MHz to 1710 MHz). However, the one or moreGNSS filters 232, the one or more third band filters 234, and/or the oneor more third band filters 236 can support a variety of frequencyranges, such as mid-to-high-range bands (MHB), low-range bands (LB),high-range bands (HB), mid-range bands (which can include the MLBs andMHBs), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or moreGNSS filters 232 are associated with a frequency range of 1,559-1607 MHz(e.g., the upper L bands). In some embodiments, the one or more GNSSfilters 232 are associated with a frequency band(s) (e.g., a frequencyrange) that is outside a frequency band associated with the one or morethird band filters 234 and/or the one or more third band filters 236.

The LNA 250 and/or the LNA 252 can be configured to amplify a signal andprovide the amplified signal to another component, such as a transceiver(not illustrated). In the example of FIG. 2, the LNA 252 is coupled toand configured to receive a signal from the switch 240, while the LNA250 is coupled to and configured to receive a signal from the one ormore GNSS filters 232. However, the LNAs can be arranged in a variety ofother configurations. Further, although two LNAs are illustrated, anynumber of LNAs can be implemented. For example, the system 200 caninclude an LNA for each of the three branches (e.g., three LNAs for thethree filters 232, 234, and 236), a single LNA for all three of thebranches, and so on.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system 300 that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and multiple mid-range filtersimplemented in a switch-combined configuration in accordance with one ormore embodiments. In some embodiments, the system 300 illustrates anexample of the system 200 of FIG. 2 with the one or more GNSS filters232 implemented as a global positioning system (GPS) L1 band filter 332,the one or more third band filters 234 implemented as a B32 band filter334, the one or more third band filters 236 implemented as B11 and B21band filters 336, the one or more first bands 222 implemented as one ormore high-range bands 322 (or ultra-high-range bands), the one or moresecond bands 224 implemented as one or more mid-to-high-range bands 324,the one or more third bands 226 implemented as one or moremid-to-low-range bands 326, and the one or more fourth bands 228implemented as one or more low-range bands 328. However, the system 300can be implemented in a variety of other contexts.

The system 300 includes an antenna 310 coupled to a multiplexer 320. Themultiplexer 320 can be configured to sort a signal into a plurality ofsignals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges,respectively. For example, the multiplexer 320 can include: (i) a firstfilter (e.g., a band-pass or high-pass filter) that is configured toprovide an output signal associated with the one or more high-rangebands (HB) 322; (ii) a second filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that isconfigured to provide an output signal associated with the one or moremid-to-high-range bands (MHB) 324; (iii) a third filter (e.g., aband-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signalassociated with the one or more mid-to-low-range bands (MLB) 326; and/or(iv) a fourth filter (e.g., a low-pass filter) that is configured toprovide an output signal associated with the one or more low-range bands(LB) 328. Although four filters are illustrated in FIG. 3, themultiplexer 320 can include any number of filters. Some non-limitingexamples that can be implemented for the one or more HBs 322, the one ormore MHBs 324, the one or more MLBs 326, and the one or more LB 328 areshown below in Table 3. However, it should be understood that thefrequency bands can be implemented with different frequency ranges(e.g., Table 3 below provides but some of many example frequency rangesfor the various frequency bands).

TABLE 3 Band Frequency Range (MHz) Low-Range Bands (LBs) 617-960  Mid-to-Low-Range Bands (MLBs) 960-1,710 Mid-to-High-Range Bands (MHBs)1,710-2,200; 1,710-2,690 High-Range Bands (HBs) 2,200-above; 2,690-above

The system 300 also includes a combined-filter circuit 330 coupled tothe multiplexer 320. In this example, the combined-filter circuit 330includes a switch 338 coupled to the multiplexer 320, the GPS-L1 bandfilter 332 coupled to the switch 338 and a low noise amplifier (LNA)350, the B32 band filter 334 coupled to the switch 338, the B11 and B21band filters 336 coupled to the switch 338, and a switch 340 coupled tothe B32 band filter 334, the B11 and B21 band filters 336, and an LNA352. The combined-filter circuit 332 can be configured to receive asignal from the multiplexer 320. The switch 338 can be controlled toroute the signal to the GPS-L1 band filter 332, the B32 band filter 334,and/or the B11 and B21 band filters 336. The switch 340 can becontrolled to route a signal from the B32 band filter 334 to the LNA 352or to route a signal from the B11 and B21 band filters 336 to the LNA352. The GPS-L1 band filter 332 can be configured to support a GPS-L1band (e.g., configured to filter a signal for the GPS-L1 cellular band),the B32 band filter 334 can be configured to support a B32 cellular band(e.g., configured to filter a signal for the B32 cellular band), and theB11 and B21 band filters 336 can be configured to support the B11 andB21 cellular bands (e.g., configured to filter signals for the B11 andB21 cellular bands). The B11 and B21 band filters 336 can be implementedas a combined filter (e.g., in a ganged configuration), since the B11and B21 bands do not overlap. In the example of FIG. 3, the switch 338is implemented as a multi-arm-controlled switch so that the filters 332,334, and/or 336 are implemented in a switch-combined configuration.However, the switch 338 can be implemented in other manners. Further, inthe example of FIG. 3, the B32 band filter 334 and the B11 and B21 bandfilters 336 are implemented along separated paths (e.g., the switch 338selects one of the two paths) to isolate the filters 334 and 336 fromeach other, since the frequency ranges of the filters 334 and 336overlap.

In some embodiments, the techniques and architectures discussed hereincombine filters in a flexible way to enable carrier aggregationcombinations with certain bands, such as MLBs, and/or to supportsimultaneous 4×4 down link (DL) MIMO in the MBs and HBs involved inthese combinations. Further, in some embodiments, an implementation of amultiplexer (also referred to as an N-plexer) with a shared antenna canprovide better isolation and/or lower insertion loss, in comparison toother solutions.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example multi-arm-controlled switch 400 inaccordance with one or more embodiments. The multi-arm-controlled switch400 can be configured to be implemented with multiple filters/componentsto arrange the filters/components in a switch-combined configuration(also referred to as a “flexibly switch-combined architecture”). Themulti-arm-controlled switch 400 includes an input node 402 (alsoreferred to as a “pole”) and multiple output nodes 404, 406, and 408(also referred to as “throws”). The multi-arm-controlled switch 400includes multiple arms, wherein two or more of the arms are configuredto be simultaneously controlled, such as based on a control signal sentfrom a controller 410. For example, the controller 410 can provide acontrol signal (e.g., a single control signal) to themulti-arm-controlled switch 400 to join the output node 404 and theoutput node 406 to the input node 402. In response to receiving thecontrol signal, the multi-arm-controlled switch 400 can engage two armsof the multi-arm-controlled switch 400 (e.g., turn two arms to an ONstate) to connect/conjoin the output node 404 and the output node 406 tothe input node 402, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 4. As such,the multi-arm-controlled switch 400 is a flexibly configured switch thatis able to simultaneously engage two or more arms to connect/joinvarious combinations of components (e.g., filters) that can be connectedto the output nodes 404, 406, and 408. In other words, themulti-arm-controlled switch 400 can simultaneously join components to acommon RF path, which can provide different carrier aggregation (CA)pairings.

In some embodiments, the multi-arm-controlled switch 400 is implementedwith one or more transistors. A transistor can be implemented as asingle device or multiple devices. A transistor can include afield-effect transistor (FET) (e.g., N-type or P-type device), such as ajunction FET (JFET), insulated gate FET (e.g., ametal-oxide-semiconductor FET (MOSFET), a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), etc.), and so on. Further, atransistor can include a Bipolar junction transistor (BJT) (e.g., an NPNtransistor, a PNP transistor, etc.), such as a heterojunction bipolartransistors (HBT), etc. Alternatively, or additionally, in someembodiments, the multi-arm-controlled switch 400 is implemented with oneor more mechanical switches or other types of switches.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example system 500 that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and one or more other band filtersimplemented in a ganged configuration in accordance with one or moreembodiments. The example system 500 is discussed in the context ofreceiving one or more signals (e.g., the system 500 is implemented toperform one or more receive operations). However, the system 500 can beimplemented in the context of transmitting one or more signals (e.g.,the system 500 can be implemented to perform one or more transmitoperations). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the system 500is implemented within a radio-frequency module. Although the system 500can be implemented within a variety of components and/or devices.

The system 500 includes an antenna 510 coupled to a multiplexer 520. Theantenna 510 can include a primary antenna, a diversity antenna, or anyother antenna. The antenna 510 can be configured to receive a signaland/or provide the signal to the multiplexer 520. The multiplexer 520can be configured to receive the signal from the antenna 510 and sortthe signal into a plurality of signals that are associated with aplurality of frequency ranges, respectively. For example, themultiplexer 520 can include: (i) a first filter (e.g., a band-pass orhigh-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signalassociated with one or more first frequency bands 522 that are within afirst frequency range or above a threshold frequency (e.g., a relativelyhigh frequency range or above a threshold designated as high); (ii) asecond filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that is configured to providean output signal associated with one or more second frequency bands 524that are within a second frequency range (e.g., a mid-to-high frequencyrange); (iii) a third filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that isconfigured to provide an output signal associated with one or more thirdfrequency bands 526 that are within a third frequency range (e.g., amid-to-low frequency range); and/or (iv) a fourth filter (e.g., alow-pass filter or band-pass filter) that is configured to provide anoutput signal associated with one or more fourth frequency bands 528that are within a fourth frequency range (e.g., a low frequency range).Although four filters are illustrated in FIG. 5, the multiplexer 520 caninclude any number of filters. In some embodiments, the signal paths forthe one or more first frequency bands 522, the one or more secondfrequency bands 524, and/or the one or more fourth frequency bands 528are coupled to other circuitry so that the associated signals can befiltered and/or processed.

The system 500 also includes a combined-filter circuit 530 coupled tothe multiplexer 520. In this example, the combined-filter circuit 530includes a switch 536 coupled to the multiplexer 520, ganged filters 532coupled to the switch 536, ganged filters 534 coupled to the switch 536,a switch 538 coupled to the ganged filters 532, the ganged filters 534,and a low noise amplifier (LNA) 550, and a switch 540 coupled to theganged filters 532, the ganged filters 534, and an LNA 552. Thecombined-filter circuit 532 can be configured to receive a signalassociated with the one or more third bands 526 from the multiplexer520. The switch 536 can be controlled to route the signal to the gangedfilters 532 and/or the ganged filters 534. The switch 538 can becontrolled to route a signal from either the ganged filters 532 or theganged filters 532 to the LNA 550. Further, the switch 540 can becontrolled to route a signal from either the ganged filters 532 or theganged filters 534 to the LNA 552.

As shown, the ganged filters 532 include a Global Navigation SatelliteSystem (GNSS) filter and one or more third band filters combined in aganged configuration. Similarly, the ganged filters 534 include a GNSSfilter and one or more third band filters in a ganged configuration. Ina ganged configuration, filters can share a common input node, asdiscussed in further detail below in reference to FIG. 7. The GNSSfilter of the ganged filters 532 and/or the GNSS filter of the gangedfilters 534 can be configured to support a satellite-navigation band. Insome embodiments, the GNSS filter of the ganged filters 532 is the sameas the GNSS filter of the ganged filters 534 (e.g., the filters supportthe same frequency band(s)), while in other embodiments the GNSS filterof the ganged filters 532 is different than the GNSS filter of theganged filters 534 (e.g., the filters support different frequencybands). Further, in some embodiments, the one or more third band filtersof the ganged filters 532 are different than the one or more third bandfilters of the ganged filters 534 (e.g., the filters support differentfrequency bands), while in other embodiments the one or more third bandfilters of the ganged filters 532 are the same as the one or more thirdband filters of the ganged filters 534 (e.g., the filters support thesame frequency band(s)). In some embodiments, the GNSS filter of theganged filter 532 is associated with a frequency band(s) that is outsidea frequency band associated with the one or more third band filters ofthe ganged filter 532 (and/or that is outside a frequency band(s)associated with the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter534). Further, in some embodiments, the GNSS filter of the ganged filter534 is associated with a frequency band(s) that is outside a frequencyband associated with the one or more third band filters of the gangedfilter 534 (and/or that is outside a frequency band(s) associated withthe one or more third band filters of the ganged filter 532).

As noted above, the switches 536, 538, and/or 540 can be configured toroute a signal through the combined-filter circuit 532 based on acontrol signal(s) from a controller (not illustrated). For example, ifthe switch 536 receives a control signal from a controller to route asignal to the ganged filters 532, the switch 536 can transition to afirst state and route the signal to the ganged filters 532.Alternatively, if the switch 536 receives a control signal from acontroller to route a signal to the ganged filters 534, the switch 536can transition to a second state and route the signal to the gangedfilters 534. Further, if the switch 538 receives a control signal from acontroller to route a filtered signal from the GNSS filter of the gangedfilter 532 (e.g., select the GNSS filter of the ganged filter 532 sincethe switch 536 also selected the ganged filter 532), the switch 538 cantransition to a first state and route the filtered signal from the GNSSfilter of the ganged filter 532 to the LNA 550. Alternatively, if theswitch 538 receives a control signal from a controller to route afiltered signal from the GNSS filter of the ganged filter 534 (e.g.,select the GNSS filter of the ganged filter 534 since the switch 536also selected the ganged filter 534), the switch 538 can transition to asecond state and route the filtered signal from the GNSS filter of theganged filter 534 to the LNA 550. In a similar manner, if the switch 540receives a control signal from a controller to route a filtered signalfrom the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter 532, theswitch 540 can transition to a first state and route the filtered signalfrom the one or more third band filters of the ganged filter 532 to theLNA 552. Alternatively, if the switch 540 receives a control signal froma controller to route a filtered signal from the one or more third bandfilters of the ganged filter 534, the switch 540 can transition to asecond state and route the filtered signal from the one or more thirdband filters of the ganged filter 534 to the LNA 552. Although theswitches 538 and 540 are illustrated in the example of FIG. 5, in someinstances one or more of the switches 538 and 540 can be eliminated. Forexample, an LNA can be implemented for each of the individual filters ofthe ganged filters 532 and the ganged filters 534.

In some embodiments, the ganged filters 532 and/or the ganged filters534 are associated with a specific frequency range. For example, theganged filters 532 and/or the ganged filters 534 can include bandfilters that are configured to support frequencies in mid-to-low-rangebands (MLB) (e.g., a frequency range of about 960 MHz to 1710 MHz).However, the ganged filters 532 and/or the ganged filters 534 cansupport a variety of frequency ranges. In some embodiments, the GNSSfilter of the ganged filters 532 and/or the GNSS filter of the gangedfilters 534 are associated with a frequency range of 1,559-1607 MHz(e.g., the upper L bands). In some embodiments, the GNSS filter of theganged filter 532 and/or the GNSS filter of the ganged filter 534 areassociated with (e.g., configured to support) one or more of the bandsdescribed in Table 1 or described elsewhere within the disclosure.Further, in some embodiments, the one or more third band filters of theganged filters 532 and/or the one or more third band filters of theganged filters 534 are associated with (e.g., configured to support) oneor more of the bands described in Table 2 or described elsewhere withinthe disclosure.

The LNA 550 and/or the LNA 552 can be configured to amplify a signal andprovide an amplified signal to another component, such as a transceiver(not illustrated). In the example of FIG. 5, the LNA 550 is coupled toand configured to receive a signal from the switch 538, while the LNA552 is coupled to and configured to receive a signal from the switch540. However, the LNAs can be arranged in a variety of otherconfigurations. Further, although two LNAs are illustrated, any numberof LNAs can be implemented. For example, the system 500 can include anLNA for each of the four branches (e.g., the four filters).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example system 600 that includes asatellite-navigation-band filter and multiple mid-range band filtersimplemented in a ganged configuration in accordance with one or moreembodiments. In some embodiments, the system 600 illustrates an exampleof the system 500 of FIG. 5 with the GNSS filter of the ganged filter532 implemented as a global positioning system (GPS) L1 filter for aganged filter 632, the one or more third band filters of the gangedfilter 532 implemented as a B32 band filter for the ganged filter 632,the GNSS filter of the ganged filter 534 implemented as a GPS-L1 filterfor ganged filters 634, the one or more third band filters of the gangedfilter 534 implemented as B11 and B21 band filters for the gangedfilters 634. However, the system 600 can be implemented in a variety ofother contexts.

The system 300 includes an antenna 610 coupled to a multiplexer 620. Themultiplexer 620 can be configured to sort a signal into a plurality ofsignals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges,respectively. For example, the multiplexer 620 can include: (i) a firstfilter (e.g., a band-pass or high-pass filter) that is configured toprovide an output signal associated with one or more high-range bands(HB) 622; (ii) a second filter (e.g., a band-pass filter) that isconfigured to provide an output signal associated with the one or moremid-to-high-range bands (MHB) 624; (iii) a third filter (e.g., aband-pass filter) that is configured to provide an output signalassociated with the one or more mid-to-low-range bands (MLB) 626; and/or(iv) a fourth filter (e.g., a low-pass filter) that is configured toprovide an output signal associated with one or more low-range bands(LB) 628. Although four filters are illustrated in FIG. 6, themultiplexer 620 can include any number of filters.

The system 600 also includes a combined-filter circuit 630 coupled tothe multiplexer 620. In this example, the combined-filter circuit 630includes a switch 636 coupled to the multiplexer 620, the ganged filters632 coupled to the switch 636, the ganged filters 634 coupled to theswitch 636, a switch 638 coupled to the ganged filters 632 (e.g., theGPS-L1 filter), the ganged filters 634 (e.g., the GPS-L1 filter), and alow noise amplifier (LNA) 650, and a switch 640 coupled to the gangedfilters 632 (e.g., the B32 filter), the ganged filters 634 (e.g., theB11 and B21 filters), and an LNA 652. The combined-filter circuit 632can be configured to receive a signal associated with the one or moreMLBs 626 from the multiplexer 620. The switch 636 can be controlled toroute the signal to the ganged filters 632 and/or the ganged filters634. The switch 638 can be controlled to route a signal from either theganged filters 632 or the ganged filters 634 to an LNA 650. Further, theswitch 640 can be controlled to route a signal from either the gangedfilters 632 or the ganged filters 634 to the LNA 652.

As shown, the ganged filters 632 include a GPS-L1 filter and B32 bandfilters combined in a ganged configuration. Further, the ganged filters634 include a GPS-L1 filter and B11 and B21 band filters in a gangedconfiguration. In this example, the GPS-L1 filter of the ganged filters632 and/or the GPS-L1 filter of the ganged filters 634 are eachconfigured to support the GPS-L1 band. Further, the B32 band filter ofthe ganged filters 632 is configured to support the B32 band. Moreover,the B11 and B21 band filters of the ganged filters 634 are configured tosupport the B11 and B21 bands. In some embodiments, the B11 and B21 bandfilters of the ganged filter 634 can be implemented as a combined filter(e.g., in a ganged configuration), since the B11 and B21 bands do notoverlap.

FIG. 7 illustrates example ganged filters 700 in accordance with one ormore embodiments. As illustrated, the ganged filters 700 includes afilter 702 combined with a filter 704 and configured to be associatedwith a same input node 706. That is, the filter 702 and the filter 704are each coupled to the input node 706, which forms a common node. Insuch configuration, a signal that is provided to the input node 706 canbe provided to the filter 702 and the filter 704. As also illustrated,the filter 702 is coupled to an output node 708 and configured toprovide an output signal to the output node 708. Meanwhile, the filter704 is coupled to the output node 710 and configured to provide anoutput signal to the output node 710. In some embodiments, a gangedconfiguration of filters can refer to the filters being permanentlycombined. Further, in some embodiments, a set of ganged filters can bereferred to as a filter array.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example system 800 with multiple satellite-basednavigation bands in accordance with one or more embodiments. The system300 includes an antenna 810 coupled to a multiplexer 820. Themultiplexer 820 can be configured to sort a signal into a plurality ofsignals that are associated with a plurality of frequency ranges,respectively. For example, the multiplexer 820 can include: (i) a firstfilter that is configured to provide an output signal associated withone or more first frequency bands 822; (ii) a second filter that isconfigured to provide an output signal associated with one or moresecond frequency bands 824; (iii) a third filter that is configured toprovide an output signal associated with one or more third frequencybands 826; and/or (iv) a fourth filter that is configured to provide anoutput signal associated with one or more fourth frequency bands 828.

The system 800 also includes a combined-filter circuit 830 coupled tothe multiplexer 820. In this example, the combined-filter circuit 830includes a switch 840 coupled to the multiplexer 820, a GlobalNavigation Satellite System (GNSS) filter 832 coupled to the switch 840and a low noise amplifier (LNA) 850, a GNSS filter 834 coupled to theswitch 840 and the LNA 852, one or more third band filters 836 coupledto the switch 840 and a switch 842, one or more third band filters 838coupled to the switch 840 and the switch 842, and the switch 842 coupledto the one or more third band filters 836, the one or more third bandfilters 838, and an LNA 854. In the example of FIG. 8, the switch 840 isimplemented as a multi-arm-controlled switch with two or more arms thatare configured to be simultaneously controlled, such as based on acontrol signal from a controller (not illustrated). Although illustratedin a switch-combined configuration, in some embodiments the GNSS filter832 and the GNSS filter 834 can be implemented in a gangedconfiguration, such as with the GNSS filter 832 ganged with the one ormore third filters 836 and/or the GNSS filter 834 ganged with the one ormore third band filters 838.

The switch 840 can be controlled to route a signal to the GNSS filter832, the GNSS filter 834, the one or more third band filters 836, theone or more third band filters 838, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the GNSS filter 832 is associated with a differentfrequency band(s) than the GNSS filter 834. For example, the GNSS filter832 can be configured to support the GPS-L1 band, while the GNSS filter834 can be configured to support the GPS-L5 band. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the GNSS filter 832 is associated with the same frequencyband(s) as the GNSS filter 834. In some embodiments, the switch 840 canroute a signal to both the GNSS filter 832 and the GNSS filter 834.However, the switch 840 can route a signal to any combination of thefilters 832, 834, 836, and/or 838.

The switch 842 can be controlled to route a signal from the one or morethird band filters 836 to the LNA 854 or to route a signal from the oneor more third band filters 838 to the LNA 854. In some embodiments, theone or more third band filters 836 are associated with a differentfrequency band(s) than the one or more third band filters 838. Forexample, the one or more third band filters 836 can be configured tosupport the B32 band, while the one or more third band filters 838 canbe configured to support the B11 and/or B21 bands. Alternatively, insome embodiments, the one or more third band filters 836 are associatedwith the same frequency band(s) as the one or more third band filters838. In some embodiments, the switch 840 can route a signal from boththe one or more third band filters 836 and the one or more third bandfilters 838.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of a process 900 to filter asignal(s) with one or more satellite-navigation-band filters and/or oneor more other filters in accordance with one or more embodiments. Theprocess 900 can be implemented by any of the components discussedherein, such as a controller, an RF module, or any component of aradio-frequency device.

At 902, a signal can be sorted into multiple signals associated withmultiple frequency ranges, respectively. For example, a multiplexer canreceive a signal from an antenna and sort the signal into multiplesignals associated with different frequency ranges, such as a signalassociated with a high-frequency band(s), a signal associated with amid-frequency band(s), a signal associated with a low-frequency band(s),and so on. The multiplexer can provide any number of signals as anoutput signal(s).

At 904, one or more switches can be controlled to route a signal througha combined-filter circuit. For example, a controller can send one ormore control signals to one or more switches of a combined-filtercircuit to route a signal received from a multiplexer to one or morefilters of the combined-filter circuit. The combined-filter circuit caninclude one or more satellite-navigation-band filters and/or one or moreother band filters arranged in a switch-combined configuration and/or aganged configuration.

At 906, one or more signals can be filtered using one or moresatellite-navigation-band filters. For example, one or moresatellite-navigation-band filters of a combined-filter circuit canfilter a signal received from a multiplexer/switch and provide afiltered signal that is associated with a satellite-navigation band asan output signal. In some embodiments, the filtered signal is providedto a low noise amplifier (LNA).

At 906, one or more signals can be filtered using one or more other bandfilters. For example, one or more mid-to-low-range filters of acombined-filter circuit can filter a signal received from amultiplexer/switch and provide a filtered signal that is associated witha mid-to-low-range filter as an output signal. In some embodiments, thefiltered signal is provided to a low noise amplifier (LNA).

FIG. 10 illustrates an example radio-frequency module 1000 in accordancewith one or more embodiments. The radio-frequency module 1000 includes apackaging substrate 1002, a semiconductor die 1004 mounted on thepackaging substrate 1002, a multiplexer 1006 implemented on thesemiconductor die 1004, a combined-filter circuit 1008 implemented onthe semiconductor die 1004, and a controller 1010 implemented on thesemiconductor die 1004. The multiplexer 1006 can include any of themultiplexers discussed herein, the combined-filter circuit 1008 caninclude any of the combined-filter circuits discussed herein, and/or thecontroller 1010 can include any of the controllers discussed herein.Although the controller 1010 is illustrated as being implemented on thesemiconductor die 1004 and the packaging substrate 1002, the controller1010 can be implemented on a separate semiconductor die and/or packagingsubstrate. Similarly, the multiplexer 1006 and the combined-filtercircuit 1008 can be implemented on separate semiconductor dies and/orpackaging substrates. In some embodiments, the radio-frequency module1100 can be a front-end module (FEM), which can include a diversitymodule (e.g., a diversity-receive module) in some examples.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example radio-frequency device 1100 in accordancewith one or more embodiments. As shown, the radio-frequency device 1100can include a baseband sub-system 1102, a transceiver 1104, a poweramplifier (PA) module 1106, one or more front-end (FE) modules 1108, oneor more antennas 1110, one or more low noise amplifiers (LNAs) 1112, apower management system 1114, a battery 1116, a memory 1118, and a userinterface 1120. The baseband sub-system 1102, the transceiver 1104, thePA module 1106, the one or more FE modules 1108, the one or moreantennas 1110, the one or more LNAs 1112, the power management system1114, the battery 1116, the memory 1118, and/or the user interface 1120can be in communication with each other.

The baseband sub-system 1102 can be connected to the user interface 1120to facilitate various input and/or output of voice and/or data providedto and/or received from a user. The baseband sub-system 1102 can also beconnected to the memory 1118 that is configured to store data and/orinstructions to facilitate operation of the radio-frequency device 1100and/or to provide storage of information for a user.

The transceiver 1104 can generate radio-frequency (RF) signals fortransmission and/or process incoming RF signals received from the one ormore LNAs 1112, the one or more antennas 1110, and/or the one or more FEmodules 1108. The transceiver 1104 can interact with the basebandsub-system 1102 that is configured to provide conversion between dataand/or voice signals suitable for a user and/or RF signals suitable forthe transceiver 1104. The transceiver 1104 can also be connected to thepower management system 1114.

The PA module 1106 can include a plurality of PAs that can provide anamplified RF signal to the one or more antennas 1110, such as via one ormore components of the one or more FE modules 1108. Although four pathsare shown as inputs and outputs to the PA module 1106, and any number ofinput and/output paths can be implemented.

The one or more FE modules 1108 can include one or more filters 1122, anantenna switch 1124, a multiplexer 1126, and/or a duplexer 1128. The oneor more filters 1122 can include receive (Rx) filters and/or transmit(Tx) filters. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or morefilters 1122 are implemented as part of a combined-filter circuit, suchas any of the combined-filter circuits discussed herein, which caninclude one or more switches for routing signals in some examples. Theantenna switch 1124 can route a signal to and/or from the one or moreantennas 1110, such as to and/or from other components of the one ormore FE modules 1108. The antenna switch 1124 can include any number ofpoles and/or throws. In some embodiments, the antenna switch 1124 isimplemented as part of a module. The multiplexer 1126 can be configuredto implement multiplexing. The duplexer 1128 can allow transmit and/orreceive operations to be performed simultaneously using a commonantenna. In some embodiments, the one or more FE modules 1108 can routeone or more received signals to the one or more LNAs 1112, which can beconfigured to amplify the one or more received signals. In someembodiments, the packaged module 1108 is implemented as a front-endmodule. Although the one or more LNAs 1112 and the PA module 1106 areillustrated as separate components from the one or more FE modules 1108,in some embodiments the one or more LNAs 1112 and/or the PA module 1106are part of the one or more FE modules 1108.

The one or more antennas 1110 can include antennas for transmittingand/or receiving signals associated with a wide variety of frequenciesand communications standards. In examples, the one or more antennas 1110support Multiple-Input Multiple-output (MIMO) communications and/orswitched diversity communications. For example, MIMO communications usemultiple antennas for communicating multiple data streams over a singleradio frequency channel. MIMO communications benefit from higher signalto noise ratio, improved coding, and/or reduced signal interference dueto spatial multiplexing differences of the radio environment. Switcheddiversity can refer to communications in which a particular antenna isselected for operation at a particular time. For example, a switch canbe used to select a particular antenna from a group of antennas based ona variety of factors, such as an observed bit error rate and/or a signalstrength indicator. In examples, the one or more antennas 1110 caninclude a diversity antenna.

The power management system 1114 can be configured to manage power foroperation of the radio-frequency device 1100. The power managementsystem 1114 can provide power to any number of components of theradio-frequency device 1100. The power management system 1114 canreceive a battery voltage from the battery 1116. The battery 1116 can beany suitable battery for use in the radio-frequency device 1100,including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

The radio-frequency device 1100 can communicate using a wide variety ofcommunications technologies, including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G(including Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, and LTE-AdvancedPro), 5G, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (for instance, Wi-Fi),Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) (for instance, Bluetooth andZigBee), Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN) (for instance,WiMax), and/or satellite-based radio navigation systems (for instance,Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies).

The radio-frequency device 1100 can operate with beamforming in certainimplementations. For example, the radio-frequency device 1100 caninclude phase shifters having variable phase controlled by thetransceiver 1104. Additionally, the phase shifters can be controlled toprovide beam formation and directivity for transmission and/or receptionof signals using the one or more antennas 1110. For example, in thecontext of signal transmission, the phases of the transmit signalsprovided to the one or more antennas 1110 are controlled such thatradiated signals from the one or more antennas 1110 combine usingconstructive and destructive interference to generate an aggregatetransmit signal exhibiting beam-like qualities with more signal strengthpropagating in a given direction. In the context of signal reception,the phases are controlled such that more signal energy is received whenthe signal is arriving to the one or more antennas 1110 from aparticular direction. In some embodiments, the one or more antennas 1110include one or more arrays of antenna elements to enhance beamforming.

In some embodiments, the radio-frequency device 1100 supports carrieraggregation, thereby providing flexibility to increase peak data rates.Carrier aggregation can be used for both Frequency Division Duplexing(FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD) and can be used to aggregate aplurality of carriers or channels. Carrier aggregation includescontiguous aggregation, in which contiguous carriers within the sameoperating frequency band are aggregated. Carrier aggregation can also benon-contiguous and can include carriers separated in frequency within acommon band or in different bands.

The radio-frequency device 1100 can include a wide variety of devicesthat are configured to communicate wirelessly. For example, theradio-frequency device 1100 can include a cellular phone, a smart-phone,a hand-held wireless device with or without phone functionality, awireless tablet, a smart appliance, a smart vehicle, a television, acomputer monitor, a computer, a hand-held computer, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a microwave, a refrigerator, an automobile, a stereosystem, a cassette recorder or player, a DVD player, a CD player, a VCR,an MP3 player, a radio, a camcorder, a camera, a digital camera, aportable memory chip, a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, a copier, afacsimile machine, a scanner, a multi-functional peripheral device, awearable device (e.g., a watch), a clock, etc.

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled” can refer to two ormore elements that may be either directly connected or connected by wayof one or more intermediate elements. Components discussed herein can becoupled in a variety of manners, such as through a conductive material.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this disclosure, shall refer to this application asa whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Wherethe context permits, words in the above Description using the singularor plural number may also include the plural or singular numberrespectively.

The above description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments, and examples, are describedabove for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications arepossible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in therelevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks canbe presented in a given order, alternative embodiments can performroutines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a differentorder, and some processes or blocks can be deleted, moved, added,subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each of these processes or blockscan be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processesor blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, theseprocesses or blocks can instead be performed in parallel or can beperformed at different times.

The features described herein can be applied to other systems, notnecessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of thevarious embodiments described above can be combined to provide furtherembodiments.

In some embodiments, the methods and/or systems discussed herein can beimplemented at least in part by control circuitry and/or memory. Forexample, memory can store executable instructions that, when executed bycontrol circuitry, cause the control circuitry to perform operationsdiscussed herein. To illustrate, in some embodiments of the process ofFIG. 9, a device can include memory and control circuitry, wherein thememory can store executable instructions that, when executed by thecontrol circuitry, cause the control circuitry to perform, at least inpart, any of the operations of the process of FIG. 9. Additionally, oralternatively, other methods and/or systems discussed herein can beimplemented at least in part with control circuitry and memory storingexecutable instructions.

Control circuitry can include one or more processors, such as one ormore central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, oneor more graphics processing units (GPUs), one or more digital signalprocessors (DSPs), and/or other processing circuitry. Alternatively, oradditionally, control circuitry can include one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), one or more program-specific standard products (ASSPs),one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and/or the like.Control circuitry can be configured to execute one or more instructionsstored in memory to thereby perform one or more operations to implementvarious functionality discussed herein.

Memory can include any suitable or desirable type of computer-readablemedia. For example, computer-readable media can include one or morevolatile data storage devices, non-volatile data storage devices,removable data storage devices, and/or nonremovable data storage devicesimplemented using any technology, layout, and/or datastructure(s)/protocol, including any suitable or desirablecomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother types of data. Computer-readable media that may be implemented inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure includes, but isnot limited to, phase change memory, static random-access memory (SRAM),dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology,compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) orother optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transitorymedium that can be used to store information for access by a computingdevice. As used in certain contexts herein, computer-readable media maynot generally include communication media, such as modulated datasignals and carrier waves. As such, computer-readable media shouldgenerally be understood to refer to non-transitory media.

While some embodiments have been described, these embodiments have beenpresented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure. Indeed, the methods and systems describedherein can be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods andsystems described herein can be made without departing from the spiritof the disclosure. Claims and their equivalents are intended to coversuch forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit ofthe disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a multiplexer configured toreceive an input signal from an antenna and provide an output signal;and a combined-filter circuit coupled to the multiplexer and configuredto receive the output signal from the multiplexer, the combined-filtercircuit including a first mid-range-band filter, a second mid-range-bandfilter, a satellite-navigation-band filter, and a switch coupled to themultiplexer, the switch including two or more arms that are configuredto be controlled simultaneously to implement a switch-combinedconfiguration, the switch being configured to simultaneously route theoutput signal to the satellite-navigation-band filter and at least oneof the first mid-range-band filter or the second mid-range-band filter.2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first mid-range-band filter isconfigured to support at least one of a cellular band B11, a cellularband B21, or a cellular band B32.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein thefirst mid-range-band filter is configured to support a cellular band B32for receive operations and the second mid-range-band filter configuredto support at least one of a cellular band B11 for receive operations ora cellular band B21 for receive operations.
 4. The system of claim 1wherein the satellite-navigation-band filter is configured to support aGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cellular band.
 5. The systemof claim 4 wherein the GNSS cellular band includes at least one of aGPS-L1 cellular band, a GPS-L2 cellular band, or a GPS-L5 cellular band.6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first mid-range-band filter isimplemented in a ganged configuration with the second mid-range-bandfilter.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first mid-range-band filteris configured to support a band within a frequency range of 960 MHz to1710 MHz.
 8. A filter system comprising: a first switch configured toreceive a signal from a multiplexer; a first filter coupled to the firstswitch and associated with a satellite-navigation band within afrequency range; a second filter coupled to the first switch andassociated with a first band within the frequency range, the firstfilter and the second filter being coupled to the first switch via afirst common input node; a third filter coupled to the first switch andassociated with a second band within the frequency range; and a fourthfilter coupled to the first switch and combined with the third filter,the fourth filter being associated with the satellite-navigation band,the third filter and the fourth filter being coupled to the first switchvia a second common input node.
 9. The filter system of claim 8 whereinthe first switch includes two or more arms that are configured to becontrolled simultaneously.
 10. The filter system of claim 8 wherein thefirst switch is configured to, in a first state, route the signal to thefirst filter and the second filter and configured to, in a second state,route the signal to the third filter and the fourth filter.
 11. Thefilter system of claim 8 further comprising a second switch coupled tothe second filter, the third filter, and a low noise amplifier, thesecond switch being configured to select a filtered signal from thesecond filter or the third filter.
 12. The filter system of claim 8wherein the frequency range is about 960 MHz to 1710 MHz.
 13. The filtersystem of claim 12 wherein the satellite-navigation band is associatedwith a frequency range that is outside a frequency range associated withthe first band and outside a frequency range associated with the secondband.
 14. The filter system of claim 8 wherein satellite-navigation bandis a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cellular band.
 15. Thefilter system of claim 8 wherein the second filter is configured tosupport at least one of a cellular band B11, a cellular band B21, or acellular band B32.
 16. The filter system of claim 14 wherein the GNSScellular band includes at least one of a GPS-L1 cellular band, a GPS-L2cellular band, or a GPS-L5 cellular band.
 17. A radio-frequency modulecomprising: a packaging substrate; a multiplexer implemented on thepackaging substrate and coupled to at least one of a primary antenna ora diversity antenna; and a filter system implemented on the packagingsubstrate and coupled to the multiplexer, the filter system including afirst mid-range-band filter, a second mid-range-band filter, asatellite-navigation-band filter, and a switch coupled to themultiplexer, the switch including two or more arms that are configuredto be controlled simultaneously to implement a switch-combinedconfiguration, the switch being configured to simultaneously route asignal to the satellite-navigation-band filter and at least one of thefirst mid-range-band filter or the second mid-range-band filter.
 18. Theradio-frequency module of claim 17 wherein the first mid-range-bandfilter and the satellite-navigation-band filter are coupled to theswitch via a common input node.
 19. The radio-frequency module of claim17 wherein the first mid-range-band filter is configured to support aband within a frequency range of 960 MHz to 1710 MHz.
 20. Theradio-frequency module of claim 17 wherein the satellite-navigation-bandfilter is configured to support at least one of a GPS-L1 cellular band,a GPS-L2 cellular band, or a GPS-L5 cellular band.